Hair Loss Overview

All of us loose some hair, and a loss of some 100 hairs per day is quite normal and need not look alarming; but higher than that can be upsetting. Hair loss has many causes and both sexes are equally affected. Hair-loss can be hereditary and can be gradual. Hair loss can be sudden if it is due to diseases, hormonal imbalance or medicine side effects, like from chemotherapy.

Types of hair loss

General hair-loss is called alopecia. Hair-loss can be of two types; scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia. Hair-loss is permanent in scarring alopecia with irreversibly destroyed hair follicles. Non-scarring is temporary with no hair follicle destruction and hair mostly growing back normally. Types of hair-loss are

Who can be affected?

Male pattern baldness affects nearly 50% of the male population past age 50 years. FPHL is more common in women after menopause and causes diffuse hair loss along with TE and CTE. Alopecia areata can be common in age group between 15-29 years. Scarring alopecia is common in adults whereas ringworm is most common in children. Congenital Hypotrichosis is genetic; linked with other medical conditions.

Prognosis

A variety of alopecia conditions can affect both male and female population of any age. Some types like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata are self-limiting and can resolve once correctly diagnosed and treated successfully.

About

Dr. Batul Patel is the Director of The Bombay Skin Clinic located in South Mumbai. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. Having completed her M.B.B.S., D.D.V. and M.D., she has been practicing for more than 10+ years. Her range of expertise include pediatric dermatology, anti-aging, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, PRP, acne & pigmentation treatments. She was a consultant with Allergan and has trained many dermatologists.Know more